MacDonald, a native of the Highland settlement of the Cape Fear region who was at the time a reporter with the Charlotte News. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, the first and largest in the state, were cofounded in 1956 by the late Agnes MacRae Morton of Linville and Wilmington and Donald F. It was not until the middle of the twentieth century that interest in Highland Games in their truest sense was revived. Such events were eventually banned by an act of legislature in the 1870s, as it was reported that they had turned into occasions of gambling and drunkenness. The first Highland-type games in North Carolina likely occurred at the "Scotch Fairs" held at various sites in the old Highland settlement of the Cape Fear region, notably at Laurel Hill and Ellerbe. The concept of the "clan gathering" is an American addition to these traditional events, with the atmosphere being somewhat reminiscent of a large family reunion. Typical Highland Games as they are known today include various athletic events such as the tossing of weights and the tossing of the caber, as well as competitions in bagpipe playing, Highland dancing, and other festivities. Some historians credit the eleventh-century king of Scotland, Malcolm Canmore, with the origination of Highland Games. Modern-day Scottish Highland Games and gatherings are the offshoot of ancient Celtic tests of strength and fitness, as well as competitive activities that later took place at cattle fairs, or "trysts," in Scotland. ![]() ![]() With North Carolina's rich Scottish heritage, there is little wonder that the state is home to several such events, one of which has achieved international stature in its relatively short existence. The events also serve as favored tourist attractions and colorful reminders of the contributions made by one of North Carolina's most successful immigrant groups. The staging of Highland Games in a number of sites throughout North Carolina-home to the largest settlement of Highland Scots outside of Scotland until well into the nineteenth century-has succeeded in creating a renaissance of interest in Scottish history and culture in the state and beyond. ![]() See also: Highland Scots Scottish Settlers Cape Fear Valley Scottish Festival Argyll Colony Gaelic Language Crofter Immigration
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